Using a vegetable peeler, remove six 1-inch strips of orange zest from the orange and place into a large saucepan.

Juice the oranges (you should get about 1 cup). Add the juice, wine, granulated and brown sugars, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to the saucepan and mix to combine.

Add the pears to the liquid and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, turning the pears occasionally, until they are easily pierced with a knife, 20 to 25 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pears to a platter.

Remove and discard the zest and spices from the saucepan. Return the pan to heat and simmer the liquid until syrupy and reduced by half, 25 to 30 minutes. Spoon the reduced sauce over the pears and serve with whipped cream, if desired.

Tips & Techniques

Make Ahead: Poach the pears 3 days ahead and warm just before serving. They're a perfect, lightly sweet finish to the meal.

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Woman's Day participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.